🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.